During the first lockdown, the community in Frome really pulled together and many selflessly gave up their own time to help those who needed it to get through the pandemic. Once again, we find ourselves back in lockdown and we're still seeing lots of amazing community organisations supporting our most vulnerable residents during these challenging times, and again, many of these groups are in need of more hands-on-deck and volunteering support.

Cllr Rich Ackroyd who regularly volunteers, adds: "From the vital ShopForMe Scheme run by Active and In Touch which aids those shielding and unable to shop, to our local schools needing people to help run testing sites when they re-open, not forgetting helping with transport for our most vulnerable to reach their vaccination appointments - your help is needed more than ever. If you have some spare time that could help others, the support will be gratefully received and much appreciated."

Below are the details of some volunteering opportunities:

Frome's schools need your help

New Covid testing requirements are being put into place to help keep students and staff as safe as possible once they are able to re-open and welcome students back, and schools are asking the community for volunteer support.

Schools across the town are looking for regular volunteers who will be given full, ongoing training, support and PPE in order to deliver routine testing on all staff and students.

It is likely that volunteer marshalls to organise entry and exit to the sites may be required. As well as volunteers to deliver food hampers on a weekly basis to students who are entitled to free school meals (volunteers would need their own transport).

Help is needed urgently to make sure that all roles are ready to go when needed, volunteers should be DBS checked if possible and able to commit to regular weekly hours.

If this sounds like something you can help with and you are interested in finding out more please contact Frome Town Council at [email protected] or call 01373 465 757.

Volunteer drivers needed

Frome Community Drivers are in need of volunteer drivers who would be happy to give some time each week to assist people who do not have their own transport to attend Coronavirus vaccine appointments, as well as more regular hospital and GP appointments.

The team also continue to offer a free prescription delivery service, supported by Frome Town Council, to enable anyone in isolation to receive the medication they need.

To offer your help please give them a call on 07596 591391, or email Active and In Touch who are assisting in the coordination: [email protected]

ShopForMe scheme continues

With the country back in lockdown, it is essential that we ensure that the vulnerable members of our community don't make unnecessary trips to the supermarket.

Active and in Touch run the ShopForMe scheme, originally set up by Frome Town Council, which supports individuals who cannot access online shopping by matching them with a volunteer who will do their shopping for them.

The charity are looking for more pairs of hands to help meet demand and support those in need to truly stay shielded. They also need befriending volunteers so please do get in touch if you can help, just ring 07539795261 or email: [email protected]

Children's befriending service

Purple Elephant, who also run the Toy Library and Frome's Children's Festival, offer a befriending service for children and are looking for volunteers to help.

They're looking for people with previous experience of working with children aged 5 - 12 years old with current DBS clearance and having completed safeguarding training in the last year.

Volunteers would need to commit to up to 1hr a week doing Zoom chat and play sessions for at least 8 sessions with each child, plus monthly supervision for 1hr.

If this is something you can help with, please email Sue Willis: [email protected]